Stefen J. Welch

Stefen J. Welch (he/him) serves as Vice President of Public Affairs for the NBA's Detroit Pistons. A Detroit native, Welch focuses on the team's strategy for corporate engagement and stakeholder relations. Previously, Stefen led DEI for national retailer Saks OFF 5TH and the country's largest mortgage lender, Rocket Mortgage.

Stefen's unique take on local and national initiatives has led him to various panels and conversations regarding DEI, including the Black Fashion Movement, Deloitte Bersin IMPACT Conference, Center for Automotive Diversity Inclusion and Advancement (CADIA) Rev Up Conference, Detroit Policy Conference eTail West and headversity's Upstream Summit.

To promote life as a Detroiter, Welch has blogged for the Detroit News' - DVoice. He has also appeared on Huffington Post Live as a guest panelist covering various topics in the Motor City. Additionally, Welch has served on multiple boards and committees, including the 

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Black Family Development, Inc., CHASS (Community Health and Social Services) and the Oakland University Black Alumni Committee.

Crain’s Detroit Business recognized Welch with the 2023 Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for his impact on raising awareness and driving results. His work was also recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business Excellence in HR – DEI and DBusiness Magazine’s 30 in Their Thirties (2021).

Welch earned a Bachelor of Arts from Oakland University (Rochester, MI), a Master of Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI) and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University (Ithaca, NY). He has also studied at Howard University (Washington, DC) within the Executive MBA program. He lives in Detroit with his wife, their daughter and “naughter” (niece/daughter).

Terms

Date of Appointment: December 22, 2022
Date of Term Expiration: August 11, 2030